The little town of Lonerock escaped destruction this year but was not so lucky in the past. According to the Lebanon Express and The Fossil Journal, on the hottest day of the year in 1896, 106 degrees in the shade, a fire was started in a hotel by the 6-year-old son of the hotel keeper, Jack Andrews. The young boy allegedly set fire to a pile of clothes in a back room at 2:00pm. The hotel and furniture were consumed and due to a brisk wind flames carried to four other buildings which were also destroyed. The hotel was owned by Ira Reed. The other buildings burned were the drug store, two blacksmith shops and a stable. What saved the remainder of the town was a stream of water R.G. Robinson conveyed to his house from a spring on the hill. A strong stream of water was used on the buildings most endangered. Several force pumps and a bucket brigade also helped keep the fire within bounds. The loss was estimated at $8,000 to $10,000.
History repeated itself in 1913. Lonerock was the scene of considerable excitement when a flue in Cal Robinson's dwelling caught fire. Then the blaze was finally discovered it was beyond control. It had spread to Jack Andrews' blacksmith shop. (Not sure if this was the same Jack Andrews who son set the fire in 1896?) Lonerock Supply Co.'s warehouse and all contends were destroyed, however, the big store across the street was saved by the bucket brigade. The fire department at the time was greatly handicapped due to lack of a water system in town. Shortly after, there was serious talk of installing a gravity water system as there were a number of good springs on the hill. Apparently these springs still exist today, in addition to two wells above the town.
The little town of Lonerock escaped damage and destruction this year due to the diligence and skill of the excellent fire crews, fire departments, Lonerock residents and the dedication of many others who bravely battled the fire of 2024.
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